‘D’ is the key to Warrior success

Westbrook Christian High’s boys basketball team has won a lot of games this year, and it is the defense that is shining brightest.

With All-State senior center Colin Edwards clogging the lane and everyone else playing outstanding defense, the Warriors (19-4) have climbed up to No. 2 in the Class 2A state rankings.

“This is the best defensive team I’ve ever coached,” coach Seth Ford said. “We put a lot of emphasis on defense in practice, but that only goes so far unless the players are committed to it. These guys really want to be the best they can be at defense.”

Ford said that the offense has been really good as well but can be hit and miss.

“We’ve had a few games where the offense didn’t show up early,” he said. “But the defense keeps us in games long enough that the offense can catch up.”

Edwards, at 6-6, is probably having another All-State season. He had a 13-block game last week and has had several games with several of blocks and rebounds.

“With him inside and our other guys guarding the perimeter, it’s all clicked,” Ford said.

The Warriors start the postseason at home, hosting West End in the first round of the Area 11 tournament next week.

After losing in the Northeast Regional Tournament semifinals at Jacksonville State last season, Ford hopes the experience will help the team go further in 2014.

There are eight seniors on the squad.

“Experience is our other key,” Ford said. “They’ve been to Jacksonville and they’re all back, so hopefully, if we can get that far, they won’t be wide-eyed about playing there.”

The coach admitted he was in awe a bit too, because it was his first trip to the Northeast Regional.